Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. Every resident should plan to be fire safe.

Since most high-rise buildings re constructed of fire resistant materials and contain enclosed stairwells, fires are generally confined to individual rooms or apartments, furnishings or possibly one floor.

Wood frame buildings up to four (4) stories in height have enclosed stairwells, used to escape the building in case of a fire.

Stairwell doors are fire doors that must be closed at all times to prevent the spread of fire, smoke and poisonous gases.

An apartment or high-rise fire is no cause for panic. If you plan ahead and practice fire drills, your chances of survival are greatly increased.

Ensure your building has fire safety plans, including floor plans and evacuation procedures. Fire safety plans should be posted and visible. If they are not, contact the landlord or building manager. Take the time to review and learn your building's fire safety plan.

The topic of fires and evacuation is a serious concern to seniors who live in apartment buildings. We would like to take this opportunity to guide you through the entire sequence of a fire alarm or fire emergency and the expected response of you the building occupants.

Your building should be equipped with smoke detectors and other fire alarm components.

Learn to recognize the sound of the fire alarm, and leave the building immediately when you hear it. Never ignore the alarm as fire may be present in any part of the building.

It is recommended that every dwelling have a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For maximum protection install a smoke alarm in every bedroom.

Test smoke alarms monthly. Change the batteries in battery operated smoke alarms at least once a year. Clean smoke alarms at least once every six months by gently vacuuming the exterior. Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every ten years.

If an announcement can be heard over your buildings public address system, listen carefully and follow directions.

Check doors before opening them. Stay low behind the door, reach up and feel the door and the door handle for heat. If the door feels cool, brace yourself against it and open it slowly. If safe, leave the building and go directly to your meeting place. If you encounter smoke, crawl low under the smoke. Cleaner air is down low near the floor.

If the door feels warm, or if you see smoke of flames on the other side of the door, shut the door and stay in your apartment. Protect yourself by sealing the openings around the door and vents with bedding or towels. Call the fire department of 911 to notify them of your location.

If there is no smoke outside a window, open it and signal for help. Never go to the roof as you may become trapped with no means of escape or protection.

Never use elevators in a fire! Use the stairways and close all doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Once you are out of the building go directly to your planned meeting place. Do not re-enter the building. Ensure 9-1-1 has been called.

Be careful with smoking materials. Large, deep, sturdy ashtrays are best. Soak smoking materials with water before discarding. Check furniture and cushions for dropped matches and cigarettes. Never smoke in bed. Smokers must remember that alcohol and medications can make you less alert.

Keep matches and lighters high on a shelf or in a cupboard where children can't get them.

Never leave cooking food unattended. If a pan catches on fire, use the pot holder or oven mitt and slide a lid or cookie sheet over the flames and turn off the burner.

Keep space heaters at least 1 meter (3 feet) from combustibles.

Replace worn or damaged electrical cords. Do not overload electrical outlets. Us an approved power bar/electrical receptacle for additional electrical cords.

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